Greeting with a handshake may be on its on way out, study reveals
Age-old custom of greeting with a handshake could be on its way out as many prefer a hug or kiss
Almost 50 per cent are using alternative ways to greet, with 16 per cent preferring a continental-style peck on the cheek and nearly a third opting for a hug.
One in five feel shaking hands is "too formal", while 42 per cent said they would only do it in a business context.
A further 42 per cent of those surveyed said they would never shake hands when greeting friends. One in 12 said they prefer not to do it in case germs are passed on. The typical hand has about 150 different bacteria living on it. Nearly a quarter claimed that the firm handshake is an outdated display of masculinity.
However, the study of 1,003 participants, commissioned by a soap firm, found some 87 per cent still believe it is more appropriate in business, while 73 per cent agree they would rather offer one when meeting someone new.
